Kilimanjaro Rongai Route 23rd September 2011
Don't worry, all of the mountaineering I've done has been in the UK, at just over 1,000 meters, so this is my first time at some proper altitude :)
Sleeping bags, hey? Well seeing as I work in an outdoors shop, I hope that I will be able to give you some good advice! I reckon that it would be VERY risky not to take at least a 4 season bag to Kili. A liner is absolutely great, especially the silk ones, because they add about an extra 3 degrees to the overall warmth of the bag.
I'm not sure what the availabilty of their products in Malta is like (it looks as if this is where you come from?) But see if you can find a brand called 'Marmot'. They do great quality sleeping bags which aren't stupid prices. They do a down bag called the 'Angel Fire' which is a womens specific bag and a good warmth. However, if you are going on the gorilla expedition, i would imagine that you might be sleeping in the rainforest? If this is true, completely disregard a down bag, because down is useless when wet. Instead have a look at the 'Marmot Wave 4' synthetic bag. Again its got a temperature rating of -10c but it's heavier than a down bag.
So basically a warm bag I would say is essential! Just take the liner out on your gorilla expedition to remove some warmth! I hope this has helped and that I wasn't going on a bit :)
I had my yellow fever and the first course of my Hep A & B vaccines today. Just three more to go!
Adam
Hey Adam! How sweet, thank you for your useful advice!
Yes I live in Malta but will meet you lot in London on the day and fly out together. I hear sometimes it doesnt matter how fit or experienced you are, some dont make it for whatever reason, mainly the bodys reaction to high altitude etc.. I just hope we all make it! That extra day of acclimatization should benefit us all. I love to work out on a daily basis if i can and have heard the stairmaster should be my new BFF!? Any training advice? And yes before you say it, I've been walking 1-2 hours for a few Sundays already to "break into" my new trekking boots! :)
Well re sleeping bag, it's actually just a day trek into the forrest that we'll be doing to see the gorillas, then moving on. It's called the "Gorilla & Masai Mara" trip so it will be 2 weeks travelling through Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya so I'm not too worried about the dampness as we wont be camping in the forrest as such. I've seen the fibre ones are less expensive but as you say but I'd rather opt for quality even though buying all this gear that I'll probably only be using once is proving steep... I get cold very easily so I'll go with 4/5 as you're saying but the Marmot you recommended is only a 3-season and certified -4c whereas we need one -10c min. I found a pretty decent down filled 4/5 season called Vango 1000 5? Speaking of down will you be wearing a down jacket too? I've got myself kitted with a very technical windproof jacket and trousers, to go on top of all the layers. The guy who kitted me who has kitted many expeditions says that its "surely" enough. I know you can rent jackets too but perhaps that would be too much? :S
Re vaccines.... Hmmm hope I've been given the right info!! I took the 2nd dose of Hep B today (what a coincidence!) but they said yellow fever, typhoid and polio can be given ONE MONTH before departure. In Malta it's more common to be given the wrong information, so I wouldnt be surprised if I've been misinformed? Any recommendations from reliable healthcare on Malaria brands?
Phew! Sorry for all the questions :)
Gaby
Hi Gaby!
No, you're completely right, someone might be the fittest marathon runner ever, but could still be affected by altitude and get acute mountain sickness. I've been told, that the slower you take, the better, because you allow your body to adjust more. I've spoken to a lot of people who have completed Kili and they all say the people who run off ahead are the ones who turn around because of AMS.
Haha! The stairmaster! Thats all Ive heard people go on about too :) My training regime started 2 months ago and consists of:
- 30mins of cardiovascualr exercise a day (normally swimming or cycling)
- 20mins of strength exercise a day (sit-ups, push-ups, weights etc...)
- 36km of walking with a fully loaded rucksack on flat ground a week
and finally trying to get off into the hills as much as possible. Where I live it is all very flat. Next month, I'm doing the 2 highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland in 48 hours (6 mountains in total!) Altough cardiovascular fitness is important, hill fitness is also very important - strong leg muscles and being able to carry a pack.
Personally I would try and stay away from Vango, their quality is questionable :) This is the bag I was talking about: http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/marmot-womens-angel-fire-reg/fuseaction/products.detail/code/81510017. Have a look at the list of product features, and you'll see it says -10c.
I have indeed got a down jacket; it's a polar specification one. Luckily working where I do, we get some good discounts, so Ive been able to get all the top end gear ;) Do you know the name of your down jacket? I'll be wearing three maybe four top layers including a thick base layer, a very warm mid-layer fleece and my down jacket as an outerlayer. If need be I might stick my waterproof on underneath my down jacket just for some extra warmth. But to be honest, you will be fine with one down jacket :)
I really don't know about the timescale for vaccines all I know is that I will be having 6 jabs over a 3 month period. The nurse today gave me some names of malaria drugs, but she said we are going to talk about them next time. Have you thought about taking diamox for AMS?
It's great to be able to talk to someone on the trip, I dont mind all the questions! :)
Adam
Hello again :)
Yea and another example of AMS that I heard from a friend, her 2 brothers (40 year olds, both very fit) and their father (60-70 yrs!?) all did the trip together and guess who was the only one to make it to the top....? Yup :) Unfortunately we don't have any mountains here to train on but we can boast of the gorgeous Med instead ;) I used to do 21km each Sunday in training for the half marathon last Feb but stopped after that. Figured we weren't going to walk more than 6km a day on Kili and well even tho my cam weighs a ton, the daypacks shouldnt be too much of a problem. I guess training for the 7 summits requires tougher preparation than the rest of us!! :)
Hmmm Vango schmango... Do you make comms on selling Marmot by any chance? :P It's weird because my source -4c was from Marmots own website: http://marmot.com/products/wms_angel_fire I guess the -4c was the comfort level and -10c the extreme as the diagram shows, with silk liner it should be ok. If you're having any sales or discounts lemme know! You could say I'm your sister! What else? Well sporty down jacket I didn't have one, instead I went all in on the windproof jacket and trousers. I can always hire one I guess and if I don't use it then I probably wouldn't have been the one carrying it either :) Ok I know, cheeky!!!
I havent given Diamox any thought (have you?) nor have I researched anti-malaria drugs, I just know one that I should AVOID but the blessed paper is at home. Will tell you tomorrow! And please keep me updated on reliable UK medical advice!!! We sort of live in the stone age over here :)
Till tomorrow
Haha! Yeah, wether I continue with the 7 summits challenge all depends on how I get on with altitude on Kili. I might find that I can't cope at all and give up on the others. But hopefully all will be ok and we all get to the top.
No I dont make any commision with Marmot! :p I've used a lot of their stuff in the past, and their bags are really good; inexpensive compared to others, and great quality. In fact the bag I'm taking on this trip is a Marmot. That diagram means that any temperatures above -4c you may be too warm, any temps below -10c you may be to cold and the -30c is the extreme limit, which is the limit the bag will keep you alive too. Hope this makes sense? :) Yeah, Ill certainly let you know if we do have any sales on!!
Windproofing is just as great. That's what makes it so cold, so yeah you certainly got some good advice there! Plus its good to hear that it sounds like you've got a decent camera, im sure there'll be lots to photgraph and lots of good memories!
All I know re diamox is that my nurse will prescribe it for me! I'm not 100% on how to take it and exactly what it does, but a lot of people talk about it being good. Again, I'll let you know when I find out more about it next month. Judging by the information document I was given today, anti-malaria drugs seem to be a very personal thing because for example some of them aren't suitable to be taken with certain medical conditions etc...
Do you have much other kit to get?
Adam
Oh, I meant to mention to you, that maybe you should take a look at the British Foreign and Commonwealth office for health advice: www.fco.gov.uk
Adam
Actually a better one seems to be http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. The Tanzania page is the same printout I received from my nurse today and its got better advice on vaccines and anti-malaria drugs.
Adam
Ello ello!
If I didn't think all that what we're writing is potential good info to others (where are they???) I'd suggest emailing instead ;)
So the anti-malaria I was told to stay AWAY from by someone who has taken it is Larium/Lariam (aka Mefloquine which is on the list that you sent me of recommended brands!).. but then again who am I to judge, perhaps the side-effects wouldn't affect another as bad? This person also says that as a CURE - "P Alaxin" should be administered. Will you be getting mosquito nets with you? Are you getting rabies done too? I opted out as the cost was something like € 200+ and if I'm not mistaken you needed several? Geez just read its always fatal! :( Even though I'm an animal lover I'm going to have to stay away from licks and patting. I guess this applies more to my other safari trip! ;) Otherwise it seems all OK - googled when to take yellow fever and it says as long as you do it 10 days before entering high-risk country. Phew!
On another note, tried out the silk liner last night and i must say, i wasnt impressed. Felt like an ordinary piece of cloth and didnt create any additional heat at all :( As kit list says bag certified to "min -10c" then i might opt for a different variant of Marmot, something that will still keep me warm under -10c... How many layers of clothes is one meant to sleep with, do you know? Other gear I still need, which I'm hoping to get on sale when I go up to Sweden in July: wide-brimmed sunhat, sunglasses, perhaps some more base layers, a good exterior pair of gloves, 5cm foam mattress i will rent. Bought 1 trekking pole which as per his advice seems adequate enough. Do you use? 1 or 2? Bought a 1L water bottle in aluminium was it (?) that can serve as a hot water bottle at night plus the 2L camelbak which I'll use inside an "ordinary" backpack (hipbelt, 30-40L?), not specifically designed for camelbaks.. made sure its with the neoprene (??) for anti-freeze... Will also need to get extra cam batteries.. mobile batteries!? Can i live without my iphone for a week? :) YES I CAN! :) Except, I must admit, I think I'll be facebooking from the summit ;)
I though that we might have been spamming this page a bit too! But like you said, it's all useful stuff!
I really don't know enough about the anti-malaria stuff to make a decision yet of which to go with, so I'm going to wait until I see the nurse again. Why were you warned off Mefloquine? I think that mosquito nets are provided.
Im not getting the rabies jab. The ones Im getting are Typhoid, Hep A & B, TB and yellowfever. I'm already up to date with diphtheria (these are the ones the nurse reccommended). Fortunately, on the NHS I only have to pay for yellowfever which is £48, which is the important one anyway because you wont be allowed into Tanzania without a yellow fever vaccination certificate! I too cannot wait to see all the animals, the jungle should be great! Would love to see some colobus monkeys :)
The bag I'm bringing is a Marmot Sawtooth, which is the male equivalent of the Angel Fire. Realisticly, its best to sleep with little as possible on to produce plenty of body heat but you can build up with as many layers as needed if you get cold.
When it comes to trekking poles it depends on what I'm doing to wether I have 1 or 2. Nevertheless, I always have at least one, because they reduce the weight on your knees, back and hips immensly. If I were doing scrambling I would only use 1 because 2 just get in the way. If I was walking with a large rucksack for an extended period I would use 2. I'm still undecided for Kili, I think I'll bring 2 and may end up only using 1 depending on the conditions.
A 30-40l rucksack sounds good. Im taking a 45 just because I already have it. And definetly Neoprone covers. Im taking my 2L water bladder for my rucksack and then on summit day Ive got two bottles with neoprone cases which Ill put on a sling and keep inside my down jacket on my neck. Dehydration is one of my main concerns. Are you going to bring any extra purification stuff?
Im still deciding wether to bring my blackberry too :) I dont want all the internals freezing up though! Yeah, it would be pretty cool to update your status at the summit. 'Im standing on the highest point of Africa, at -20c, seeing the curvature of the earth' ;)
Blackberry??? Bring it and let it freeze to death ;) 50 quid says it won't work on summit.
I hadnt heard of diphtheria till now and it hasnt been suggested to me either :S next time you visit dear nurse please ask her if its vital to have this injection, or consider yourself an official assessor to murder.. lol
I think i will bring extra purification, wasnt it meant to keep water from freezing too or was that something else? :S Damn i just got a flash image of myself packing on the night before departure.... not good!! I need to start laying out all the crap and ordering the small bits and pieces too.. something tells me that preparation will be half the battle won against this mountain. Oh, and "pole pole" :) Have you been reading any books/films?
I'll send my clients an email, the ones who advised against Larium. They live in Uganda and said I could write them anytime :)
P.S. My stat would be "...just standing on top of Africas highest mountain.. tallest freestanding mountain in the world.... no biggie" ;) :))
Hahaha! I knew I was going to get slated for my blackberry! How is your Iphone not going to freeze? Have you got an app that will reheat the thing? ;) And yeah, I'll ask the nurse :p
I wasn't sure about purification, but I think I will bring it. Better to be safe than sorry in some cases! I've never heard that its got anti-freezing properties?! I think you must be thinking of something else! And when you come to pack, lay everything out in front of you then half it! I get really obsessive with keeping weight to a minimum, all exterior packaging comes off etc... and I only take the absolute essentials. But thats some of the fun of it I think!
There is a Kilimanjaro guide book sitting on the shelf at work which I've been taking and reading in my lunch hour. I just hope noone buys it!! Have you found anything to read/watch?
And yes indeed, 'pole,pole'. 'Slowly, slowly!'
Hello hello again :) Finally got a reply from the acquintances in Uganda! -
In regards to anti-malarials, while we do not like Larium and do not use it and have not given it to our children, it still is the most common anti-malarial drug. Many people use it, some with no side effects and some just deal with them (usually insomnia and very lucid dreams). I have a friend who swears by Primaquine. She works in game parks and often has her children travelling with her, they have not gotten malaria and the primaquine is not as harsh as larium. P-alaxin is a very good remedy, it works quickly. The best things to have if you can get them are malaria self testing kits and then have P-alaxin to start immediately if the test is positive. If you can't get them in Malta I'm sure you'll be able to pick them up when you arrive at any well stocked chemist.As for jabs before you arrive, Hep B, Yellow Fever, Polio and Typhoid are all standard. We did also get Diptheria, Meningitis and Hep A but we are living her for a few years and are constantly around locals. A few webpages recommend these though even for short visits to East Africa. Concerning rabies, even if you get the vaccine, you will still need to get treatment (more jabs) if you do get bitten by an animal. With the vaccine you have more time to get treatment and you will need less treatment jabs. If you will be in wild places around wild animals a lot it is something to consider especially if you will be far from modern clinics most of the time. It is not common to be bitten by a rabid animal though and you are traveling with a good tour company that would be able to get you to some decent medical care in an emergency then you can probably pass on the vaccine.I have yet to see what is on offer here but I thought i'd share the little info/recommendation I can :)Long time no speak!! How are you?
Thanks for that information it's really useful, particularly the part about rabies because I never knew that you had to have more jabs after. And so it seems Primaquine may be the best one to think about?
I clocked up another 12km today! My boots are causing me nightmares at the moment though because I have found they are too narrow. I may have to end up getting a new pair!
The last weekend in June I'm doing a mountain challenge to raise money for a cancer charity. I'll be climbing the highest and 2nd highest peak in Wales, England and Scotland all in 48 hours! Its going to be good training!
Thought I could join in on some of your info. Try to take your yellow fever jabs 3 months before travelling, this is for entry requirements into Kenya more than for health reasons they can be funny about it. Larium is the recommended anti-malarial drug for this area, its high risk area and needs a drug of this strength. The pros are 1 tablet a week instead of 2 daily, the dreams can be very vivid but only on the day you take them.
Take it on the same day every week start 2 weeks before you go and keep on taking them up to 4 weeks after you come back.( they come in packs of 8 approx £21.50).
I would not bother with rabies injections but saying that its always nice to be as upto date with as much as you can afford if travel at the drop of a hat.
Looking forward to seeing you both, good luck with the peaks Adam I'l see you soon
Gerry
Hello room for another. just found your info. my first job is to find another nurse. i have had hep A. tetinus. and a another. and her only advise was slowley up fast down?. time for a change.
Adam On the boot front i have changed my boots from meindal to north face because they are a wider fitting. getting on great with them. there are four of us coming from south derbyshire. SeeYa
Keep well
J box.
Hi JB!! Great to see the group is finally starting to form! At least your nurse was right in saying slowley up and fast down :) Hopefully getting my diamox and anti-malarial drugs this coming monday.
If you dont mind me asking, which shop did you get your boots from?
Adam
Adam Igot my boots from blacks of Tamworth. I think they are part of a large chain. cost me £149.
Do we need to have the yellow fever jab? as hoping to see another nurse next week.
Regards Jbox
I dont want to spoil first impressions and stuff and come across as up myself, but being a specialist certified boot fitter from Cotswold Outdoors (blacks staff having limited knowledge), I am worried about what they have told you! Meindl are a German brand and their boot casts are among the widest and most volumous boots on the market. However if they feel a good fit, that is perhaps the most important thing. Are your boots leather or fabric and how flexible is the sole?
Anyway, coming out of work mode!! My nurse told me that if I dont have the yellow fever vaccination certificate there is nothing stopping the Tanzinian authorities holding you in quarantine and forcing you to have the vaccine!
Youre lucky living up near the Peaks! Very jealous haha!
Adam
Gerry: I'm going into Kenya after Kili and I havent heard that i need it 3 months before. Is this something that you've heard a while ago? It hasnt mentioned this on any of the sites that ive checked out. And as for the Larium, the 2 Africans that Ive spoken to advise against it. The one had such vivid dreams he'd never experienced anything like it and the other gave it to his daughters for their 3 week holiday and it acted as a sedative... all it made them do was sleep! Personally I'm going to go for alternatives. For Kili however the risk isnt even great as the mosquitos cant survive at the minimum alt. we'll be at, 2500m. That's my personal opinion anyway and do NOT want to be held responsible for anyone getting sick!! :P As fro rabies, yes you're right, I've decided that it's uneccessary. I've been reading a small book on African travel health which has really been helpful and advise everyone to get ahold of a copy!
Guess what Adam, I bought my sleeping bag and I'm in LOVE with it! Now pls dont go bursting my bubble then its SH*TE... It's the North Face Superlight down bag 4-5 seasons - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NORTH-FACE-SUPERLIGHT-29c-DOWN-SLEEPING-BAG-REG-/130531886604?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingBags_SM&hash=item1e644e860c And I also got a down vest from the same seller, really nice stuff! That should be sufficient enough warmth under the windproof jacket.
Also, how great is this - I'm going to do this course of 20 sessions of breathing (thinner??) oxygen, an hour per session :) Well it was more like 5 mins breathing through the mask, 5 min off.. for an hr. Those that had done this could handle the altitude much better than those who didn't. Cost here was € 100 for the course. You start ca. 2 months before, doing 5 sessions the first week and then 3 per week until you go. Check it out guys??? It's the same people who have a decompression chamber on the island, if you have any diving shops around you they might be able to guide you. (See how I'm handing out my free advise to my fellow competitors? True sports..womanship here.. :P)
Hey JB! Yea your nurse needs her license revoked lol... If she doesnt know that you need the yellow fever jab then I wouldnt trust her with a needle at all :o) Tell us more, you said you're 4 pers... How old? couples/friends? Ever done any "climbing" like this before? Pls say no or I'm going to be the only one never to have climbed anything but a stairmaster...
It's THREE months today guys!!! Add me on FB if you wanna... Gabriella Arcidiacono. Cheers!
Boots first having brought my meindls after two visits to the shop for £165 wore them two weeks in the house then, went a walk . i quickly relised they wern't for me fortunatly one of our party brought them of me.£80 och. i then visited every out door store in the area tried every boot on twice. and settled for these. had them two months with no problems. and they are leather with solid soles.
previous climbing very little. last year did the three montains in britain. and one again this year up to now. our ages range from 42 to 53. all men. who like to have a laugh and a drink. its not the mountain you should worry about, its the party afterwards, Regards jb
Hi Gabby the first time I went to Kenya, 3 months prior for YF jab was the minimum requirement for entry, the last time it didn't matter because I was already 6 years into the jab. Don't know if that is still the requirement, that was 13 years ago I just got mine done the same.
Hi JB glad to know I won't be the daddy of the group (47) but looking forward to the post Kili party.
I'm gonna be the only woman on that mountain..!!
JB, you're lucky that someone in your group has got the same sized feet! Looking forward to that party!!
Gabby, that sleeping bag is great choice! It will be plenty warm enough! And you are very lucky to be able to get onto that course, there's nothing like that round near me.
This weekend I came back from the 6 peaks challenge (climbing the highest and 2nd highest mountain in each England, Wales and Scotland). I've uploaded a few pictures onto my profile on here, so take a look if you want to.
Plus, I went to see the nurse again today for my final vaccines. Altogether I've had Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A & B, Diptheria and Yellow Fever. No more needles for me! :) She also gave me some great info on anti-malarials:
- Chloroquine can affect blood levels. I'm not sure if this will have any effects with blood oxygen levels. She said this one is normally taken if people don't like tablets.
- Mefloquine is only used as a last resort as of the strong side effects.
- Doxycycline often causes diarrohea and can increase the risk of sunburn.
- Atovaquone is the most expensive and is taken for the shortest time but is also the best for not having side effects.
What she said to me was go away and speak to other people (like we are!) about it. Plus she said that it may be good if several people were on the same drug so that they can remind each other to take it. Having spoken to her today and hearing this info Ive been pushed towards the more expensive one for fewer side effects.
Adam
ADAM: Atovaquone purchased in Sweden ;)
Remaining balance was paid today! Countdown has officially begun for me, yeyyy! :))
How many trekking poles are you guys bringing? 0, 1 or 2?
6 weeks yesterday!!! I went off to the Cairngorms again 2 weeks ago for more very long and steep climbs. I picked up my diamox today and I will be getting my Atovaquone tomorrow Gabby!
I'll be bringing 2 poles. I think just using the one puts too much strain on whatever side you're not using the pole with.
Plus, I've been picked to go an expedition skills course from the 19-21st of September. It's going to be great preperation so near to the climb :D
Hey Adam!
Congrats on the expeditions skills.. you'll have to share everything you know! ;) Yesterday I started my oxygen course and so far he can tell that my body responds very well and quickly to the different levels but will say after the 3rd time (tomorrow) how he predicts i'll handle the high altitude overall.. exciting!!! So you're set on the Diamox eh? Friends from Holland were strongly advised against it and they managed without taking it in the end.. A lot of controversy apparently!
Yup picked up my 2nd pole now. I also test packed and dressed over the weekend, dressed for -30c in +30c... I posted photos on fb and got comments such as "Gaby there's a ninja standing on your balcony".. quite funny :) I havent decided on my daypack yet! Any good recommendations? I want it to hold my poles plus have a padded hip belt and not take more than 30L... Camelbag compatible.. A nice color would be sweet too :)
Oh and I wont be celebrating with you guys on the last day, they've organized transfer for me as soon as trek is over to a hotel 3 mins from the airport as "They cannot guarantee safe passage anymore between the hours of 23pm and 06am" after their security policy was updated... gulp :(
Oh another thing, dont remember if we've discussed it already, solar chargers??? Are any of you getting them, tried one out? Recommendable???
You are indeed very fortunate to be able to get your acclimitisation sessions, that's going to give you such a big advantage! I know there are some very dodgy side effects of the diamox but I won't be taking it unless I REALLY need it. I can't remember exactly (I need to check!) but I think the doctor said to take 1 tablet a day for 2 days before reaching the maximum altitude and 1 pill for 3 days after. I've got Diamox slow release instead of the standard one, but I dont know how they differ really :@
From the people who I've spoken to that have summited the majority of them have said to take it, so I'm going to bring it along just in case. I got one really good tip from one man the other day. He was part of a group of 29 climbers; all of them got to Gilman's Point and 26 of them to Uhuru Peak! What he said to do was to perform some simple stretches every morning as everybody found this a huge help!
As for day packs, there are sooo many! So get the one that feels the best. Mind you, you might like the colour of the Osprey Sirrus 26 :) At the moment I'm super organised; I even bought my suncream and travel toothpaste today :D I did try looking for you on FB but i couldnt find you btw!
That's a real shame you wont be with us on the last day! :( But always safety first hahaha!
I did get a fairly cheap solar charger to use but it didnt have the connectors I wanted so I brought it back and never done anything more about it since. The only problem is that all of the decent ones are really expensive!
One more thing. Is anybody getting their seats reserved for the flights because it's not automatically done?
Stretches eh? That's a new one!? :) Maybe we should all meditate in the mornings and prey to the gods that we get up there :P No but seriously, stretching, how so?
Hehe you sound like you've got all the boxes ticked ;) Did we already discuss the sleeping mat? Are you renting one? FB hmm.. perhaps my full name will yield results.. Gabriella Arcidiacono.
Re reserved flights would be good idea no? But how do we organize that? :S
I don't know what it does really! But I suppose keeping your muscles moving will stop you getting tired etc...
No Ive already got a Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus sleeping mat which I've used at -10c in Wales before! I think we have to contact exodus to get reserved flights, I'm not sure if there's an extra charge either.
The price of my Atovaquone was a pleasant suprise today. Wasn't anywhere near as much as I thought it was going to be!
Just thought we'd say hello, we're going to be joining the trip in Nairobi as we'll be on safari the week before the trek. We're going to be on our honeymoon after getting married in Ibiza on 17th Sept....for some reason we thought this would be a good idea (the trek - not the marriage!).
We're pretty much jabbed up and are now trying desparately (and not very successfully) to raise our fittness levels!
Looking forward to meeting you all.....
Sonia & Stu
Aye up Sonia & Stu . hope you have a great wedding day and every thing goes well.
went to see the Doctor yesterday inreference to malaria and altitude tabblets. came away with nowt. as he was a ex everest experdition doctor. he advised me that unless a doctor was present i should not be taking any altitude tablets-due to it masking other symtoms. as for malaria i have to go back when he,s researched whats best for me. managed to get a good mat and sleeping bag as tesco's are doing a good deal at moment. walked to work this week about 3 mile no blisters and feeling good. LOL. 4 WEEKS TO GO. we will be arriving the day before as we fly from amsterdam. will put one behind the bar for you all.
Keep Well. JB
Ay'up Derbyshire lads!
Thanks for the best wishes!
We're walking to work too (we work at the same company), but only once a week as it's 5 miles away and takes us about an hour and a half!!
We've both got doctors appointments regarding Diamox, we will probably take it - but only use it if we need to. We're planning on Malerone for malaria, and according to Martin Lewis (the money-saving geek) Boot's online is the cheapest place to get it at £2.10 per tablet.
What are people taking in terms of water purification? We're thinking Chlorine Dioxide and maybe some sort of flavouring?
Sonia x
Hey Sonia and Stu! Hopefully it's going to be one hell of a honey moon for you both!
So now there's at least 8 of us. I really CANNOT wait! Hey JB, that's really put a spanner in the works for me if an expedition doctor has said that.
Sonia, I'm taking chlorine dioxide tablets and I use sachets of Dioralyte or Nuun tablets for flavour and rehydration.
Adam
Hi all,
Sonia has been to see her Dr today whih has prescribed her some Diamox (20 tablets for only £4...seems cheap?! But it's deffinately the right stuff!). One theory we've read (which is sort of in ageement with JB's expedition Doc), is that is by taking it as a preventative measure, you're depriving yourself of a possible cure should you need it - i.e. if you do develop AMS, and have already taken Diamox then the only thing you can do to relieve the symptoms it is to decend....but then again, surely you would have already delayed the development of those symptoms by taking it in the first place?!
Anyway, we're going to take some with us anyway and see how we're feeling 24hrs prior to summit day (if indeed we make it that far!).
FYI - this is a really good article regarding altitude: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm
Not long now...can't wait to get going!!
Stu
Hey newbies! Welcome and congrats! :) Gonna be great meeting you all in a months time!
I got this reply from Exodus a day or 2 ago as I'm really ticking off the last bits on my to-do/buy list, and Diamox was one of them... I've pasted 2 of his replies about the matter:
"No trekkers I my trip took Diamox and none of my colleagues who have also climbed Kilimanjaro have taken it either. The best course of remedy is to drink lots of water and take some aspirin or paracetamol for the headaches. The guides know exactly what you will expect to feel so they will be on hand to assist."
So for me - no diamox, no malaria tablets either until the last day! Don't know if i already mentioned it above but i'll only be "risking" it the first day or two at base camp/hotel as after 2500m there will be no mosquitos. I'll start my malaria course after summit (note determination), as I've then got 2 weeks through Africa after Kili..Oh great, now I really don't know what to do as all the summiteers I have spoken to say bring it!!
Here's a few links from the UIAA: http://www.theuiaa.org/kilimanjaro.html and http://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=458
4 WEEKS TOMORROW!!
wow - the amount of conflicting information regarding diamox is screwing my brain up....
From the research I did, some dr's won't prescribe it for prevention of AMS - not because it's bad for you or dangerous - but because treatment of AMS is not what it was primarily designed for. It was granted a production license for the treatment of high alkaline levels in the blood (it raises acidity in the blood to even this out) - relief of AMS sypmtoms is an accidental side-effect....which is why Dr's aren't supposed to prescibe it.
Obviously this conversation could go round and round in circles. I guess it's a case of each to their own and people will do whatever their comfortable with.
Hi Ash....nice to 'meet' you!! I think we're ready.....but we have to be as we have a wedding to plan first!
Stuart & Sonia
Hey everyone and welcome Ash!
My mind's made up Re: Diamox. I spoke to two guys, one of them has completed the seven summits and the other has climbed Kili and now they are both going for the 14 8,000m peaks together. The guy who has done the 7 summits said he doesn't need diamox as he is "a ninja of acclimitisation!" but the other used diamox on Kili without problems. They both said too take it. But like Stuart and Sonia said, we could talk about this forever!
Collected my US dollars today and picking up my high-altitude glasses tomorrow! Also stepping up my training now for the one month mark!
Adam
First good luck to Stuart & Sonia, I've decided against the diamox. I've summited before without it ( to be honest didnt know anything about it back then). Glad to see everyones stepping up thier training.
Got the most important part of kit this week my trekking underwear lol. Seriously though they are great and marks & sparks have them on sale at the moment. If you didnt know, try not to wear cotton briefs while on a long trek but Im sure everyones clued up on kit by now.
looking forward to meeting you all
Gerry
The blend ive got is 90% polyester & 10% elastene for stretch. this works the same way as your base layer taking moisture away from the body so no chaffing, also controls odour. Avoid cotton because this absorbs moisture and will leave you wet & sore on a trek especially if its hot. hope this helps
cheers gerry
Today had a meeting with a kili expedition Dr. She stressted to me to take diamox from the 2nd day as the rate of ascent is to fast. She told me ascents without diamox must be a minimum of 8/9 days. my previous ascents in the Hymalayas were 6 weeks. She stressted this is vital because there is no evacuation of kili only by stretcher. Also there has been a badoutbreak of yellow fever in Uganda so apparently they are being very strict with entry even from non hot spot countries.
Hope this helps Gerry
